Fresenius Medical Care (FMS), the largest provider of dialysis products and services in the globe, recently offered advice to renal patients to monitor their fluid intake during the parched summer months. Further, the company offered tips to dialysis patients on how to satisfy their thirst, without risking their well-being, during this period.

Dialysis is a life-preserving mechanism that purifies the blood of waste substances and regulates the physical chemistry when an individual’s kidneys fail. Dialysis patients usually need treatment on a regular basis unless they are recipients of a kidney transplant.

Fresenius Medical Care North America (“FMCNA”) observes that most people increase their fluid intake in order to stay hydrated in summer. However, excessive intake of liquids can lead to a serious life threatening situation for dialysis patients.

The kidneys control the body’s hydration level. It is imperative for patients of kidney failure to preserve appropriate fluid levels as this vital organ is unable to flush out additional waste fluid.

When dialysis patients drink too much liquid, the fluids can land up in their lungs, thereby causing breathing problems. Other tell-tale signs of excessive liquid retention include bodily swelling, weight gain and elevated blood pressure. Eventually, a surfeit of fluids can damage the heart and cause heart failure.

A company spokesperson added that, given the inclination to drink more during hot weather, dialysis patients should consult their physician on how to regulate fluid intake. Furthermore, they need to learn about the symptoms indicating water retention.

FMCNA provided some suggestions to help dialysis patients manage their thirst. These include tips such as: suck on some ice chips, desist from adding salt to your food, extract juice from slices of lemon, consume frozen fruit (within dietary allowance) and eat sugar-free candy, etc. If the patient has diabetes, then he/she is advised to maintain glucose levels within established levels.

On a geographical basis, Fresenius Medical Care’s revenues, in the U.S., stagnated somewhat at almost $2 billion while international revenues surged 14% to $1.1 billion, in the first quarter, reflecting the vast potential for renal therapy overseas.

Fresenius Medical is the world’s largest provider of products and services for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. The company’s principal competitor in the U.S. is DaVita (DVA), which provides dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.